Derek
09-19-2007, 02:46 PM
It is unusual for me to want to post over a personal issue I have had with another skater(s) over a period of time, but perhaps my experiences may encourage others to defend their right to ice.
Back in the summer, I had an unfortunate episode where a youth skated into me at speed when I was spinning, on an almost deserted rink (ie his action was intentional, to 'buzz' me). Result, he went down bigtime, and felt possibly embarrassed in front of his mates etc and started a vendetta against me in the form of cutting me up, throwing ice etc. I posted on this at the time. I did not report the issue at that time, as I hoped it would blow over, and when I visited the following day, major maintenance was under way, and the management were not available for a simple 'chat'.
Well this lad has been showing up at the same sessions as me, and today, he and mates were particularly annoying, deliberately goading me into retaliating, which, I certainly had no intention of doing. Finally, they started chopping into the ice with their blades in front of me, sending chunks in my direction, so I handed the problem over to the management, explaining that I would present a formal complaint if required.
First, the box office staff were excellent in patiently listening to my mutterings. Second, they already knew which skaters I was referring to, as they have been troublesome more than once.
The outcome was that they summoned the pair, and asked them to leave the building (within 15 minutes), with the threat of an extended ban if their behaviour was repeated, or if they tried to re-enter. One of the staff on a hockey team explained to me, that the two lads were also members of a junior league team, and they could be suspended from the team as well if necessary.
I now feel vindicated for an upsetting period, and also warmed to see a rink management that wants to maintain a 'family' atmosphere during daytime public sessions. Often we are critical of management, but on this occasion, I think they behaved extremely professionally.
Vent over ... :)
Back in the summer, I had an unfortunate episode where a youth skated into me at speed when I was spinning, on an almost deserted rink (ie his action was intentional, to 'buzz' me). Result, he went down bigtime, and felt possibly embarrassed in front of his mates etc and started a vendetta against me in the form of cutting me up, throwing ice etc. I posted on this at the time. I did not report the issue at that time, as I hoped it would blow over, and when I visited the following day, major maintenance was under way, and the management were not available for a simple 'chat'.
Well this lad has been showing up at the same sessions as me, and today, he and mates were particularly annoying, deliberately goading me into retaliating, which, I certainly had no intention of doing. Finally, they started chopping into the ice with their blades in front of me, sending chunks in my direction, so I handed the problem over to the management, explaining that I would present a formal complaint if required.
First, the box office staff were excellent in patiently listening to my mutterings. Second, they already knew which skaters I was referring to, as they have been troublesome more than once.
The outcome was that they summoned the pair, and asked them to leave the building (within 15 minutes), with the threat of an extended ban if their behaviour was repeated, or if they tried to re-enter. One of the staff on a hockey team explained to me, that the two lads were also members of a junior league team, and they could be suspended from the team as well if necessary.
I now feel vindicated for an upsetting period, and also warmed to see a rink management that wants to maintain a 'family' atmosphere during daytime public sessions. Often we are critical of management, but on this occasion, I think they behaved extremely professionally.
Vent over ... :)